Solar Guide
In This Guide
Solar in Bowling Green
Bowling Green residents are discovering solar energy as a smart way to reduce electricity costs and gain energy independence. With Kentucky electricity prices increasing 19% from 2020 to 2024, homeowners are exploring renewable alternatives.
Understanding your options is the first step toward making an informed decision about solar panels for your home. This guide covers everything you need to know about solar installation in Bowling Green.
Key Takeaways
- Bowling Green receives excellent solar irradiance with 14.8 peak sun hours in summer, making solar panels highly productive year-round.
- Kentucky offers a 30% federal tax credit plus Duke Energy PowerPair incentives up to $9,000 for solar and battery systems.
- Average Bowling Green homes save $34,000 over 25 years with solar, despite Kentucky’s relatively low electricity rates.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Bowling Green neighborhoods like Fairview, Plano, and Richardsville. Get accurate pricing estimates based on actual local projects, not generic industry averages.
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Bowling Green Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Bowling Green helps homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future and potential savings.
Kentucky electricity rates have risen from 11.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 13.0 cents in 2024, representing a 13% increase over three years.
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, helping homeowners reduce their reliance on the traditional grid and protect against future rate increases in Bowling Green.
Over 25 years, solar systems can provide predictable energy costs while traditional electricity rates continue rising, offering long-term financial stability for homeowners.
Price of Energy: Kentucky vs National Average
Bowling Green Area Utility Providers
Bowling Green residents are served primarily by Kentucky Utilities (KU), which charged 12.0¢ per kWh in 2023, below both state and national averages.
KU’s rates remain competitive due to Kentucky’s coal resources and regulated utility structure, keeping costs 5% below the state average of 12.70¢ per kWh.
Even with lower electricity rates, solar can provide long-term price stability as utility costs typically increase over time while solar offers predictable energy expenses.
Bowling Green Utilities Electricity Rates
Kentucky Solar Incentives
Bowling Green homeowners can reduce solar costs through available solar incentives in Kentucky and federal programs designed to make clean energy affordable.
Duke Energy customers can access PowerPair incentives worth up to $9,000 for solar and battery systems. Net metering programs through local utilities help offset electricity costs year-round.
These programs change frequently and have specific deadlines. Research current offerings thoroughly to maximize your potential savings before making decisions.
$6,102
Average savings in Kentucky solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Duke Energy: PowerPair Solar + Battery Incentive | Utility program | New pilot for Duke Energy Customers offering $3,600 for solar plus $5,400 for battery storage. Combined maximum $9,000. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
The Duke Energy PowerPair Solar + Battery Incentive is a pilot program that provides financial incentives to homeowners who install both solar panels and battery storage systems together. This utility program offers up to $9,000 as a one-time incentive to help reduce the upfront costs of installing a combined solar and battery system at your home.
To participate, you must be a Duke Energy customer in North Carolina and work with an approved Duke Energy Trade Ally installer. The program uses a random selection process that opens on May 10th, with a four-week application window available through the Duke Energy website. Participants can choose between two enrollment options: the residential solar choice rider (RSC) or the net metering bridge rider (NMB). If you select the NMB option, you’ll be required to enroll in Duke Energy’s Power Manager and EnergyWise Home Battery Control programs, which provide additional monthly bill credits in exchange for allowing Duke Energy to temporarily use your battery’s stored energy during peak demand periods (30-36 times per year). Not all solar and battery systems qualify for this program, so you’ll need to check the approved equipment list on Duke Energy’s website before applying.
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The Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) Net Metering program allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. When your solar system produces more power than your home uses during sunny periods, that extra energy flows to the utility grid and you receive credits on your electric bill at the retail rate you normally pay for electricity.
Unfortunately, specific details about the current financial benefits, eligibility requirements, and program limitations for LG&E and KU’s net metering program are not available in the provided information. Homeowners interested in this program should contact LG&E or KU directly to learn about current credit rates, system size limits, interconnection requirements, and any application deadlines. It’s important to understand that net metering policies can change over time, so getting the most up-to-date information directly from your utility company will help you make the best decision for your solar investment.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Kentucky incentives.
Get a Free QuoteBowling Green Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Bowling Green’s moderate climate and seasonal sun angles create varying solar production throughout the year. Even with Kentucky winters, solar systems perform excellently here.
Solar Production in Bowling Green by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Bowling Green
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to show you something exciting: your Bowling Green neighbors are already enjoying clean energy! Explore this interactive map to discover which local communities have made the switch to solar power.
Leasing Solar Panels
While Palmetto doesn’t currently offer solar leasing or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in Kentucky, we understand that not every homeowner wants to purchase their solar system outright. The upfront investment can feel overwhelming, even with available financing options.
That’s why we created LightReach – our innovative solar program that lets you enjoy clean energy benefits without the traditional ownership responsibilities. With LightReach, there are no upfront costs, no maintenance worries, and no equipment ownership concerns that come with cash purchases.
Unlike traditional ownership where you handle all maintenance and repairs yourself, LightReach provides comprehensive system monitoring and maintenance. You get predictable energy costs and immediate savings without the complexity of deciding whether to buy or lease solar panels.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes excellent sense in Bowling Green. The city receives strong solar irradiance with 14.8 peak sun hours in summer, making solar panels highly productive year-round.
With Kentucky’s 30% federal tax credit plus Duke Energy PowerPair incentives up to $9,000, average Bowling Green homes save $34,000 over 25 years. Even with relatively low local electricity rates, solar provides long-term energy cost stability and environmental benefits.
Yes, Bowling Green has net metering through local utility providers. Kentucky Utilities (KU) and Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) offer net metering programs that credit homeowners for excess solar electricity sent back to the grid.
Net metering policies can change over time, so contact your utility provider directly for current credit rates, system size limits, and specific program requirements to understand how net metering will benefit your solar investment.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Bowling Green. A Zillow study shows solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average across the United States.
For a typical Bowling Green home valued at $180,000, this translates to approximately $7,380 in added value. Solar installations also make homes more attractive to buyers seeking energy-efficient properties with lower utility costs.
Solar costs in Bowling Green range from $11,721 to $19,653 after the 30% federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs.
A typical medium-sized home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) requires a 6.38 kW system costing approximately $14,238 after incentives. This investment typically pays for itself in 12.5 years through electricity savings.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Bowling Green. With Kentucky’s 30% federal tax credit and Duke Energy PowerPair incentives up to $9,000, average homes save $34,000 over 25 years with a 12.5-year payback period.
Solar provides predictable energy costs while utility rates continue rising. Even with Kentucky’s relatively low electricity rates, the long-term financial benefits and increased home value make solar a sound investment for most Bowling Green homeowners.
We believe Palmetto Solar is the best choice for Bowling Green homeowners. As a national company with local focus, we combine extensive experience with personalized service for each community we serve.
We offer some of the industry’s best financing options and work with a trusted network of certified installers. Our comprehensive approach includes system design, installation, and ongoing support to ensure your solar investment delivers maximum value for your home.